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Mudblood is a highly derogatory term for a Muggle-bornwizard or witch; that is, individuals with no wizarding relatives. There does not appear to be any difference in the magical power of Muggle-borns compared to those who are pure-blood or half-blood, but those prejudiced against Muggle-borns consider them to be of "lower breeding" or worth, and undeserving of magic. The racial slur implies that the individual has "dirty blood" and is considered extremely offensive. There are apparently other, less commonly used terms with a similar meaning, such as "creature of dirt" It is a really offending term, for people can't help being Muggle-born.[1]

The term "Mudblood" is generally not used in polite society, as it is considered highly offensive and vulgar, on par with the racial epithets often heard in the Muggle world. When Draco Malfoy called Hermione Granger a Mudblood in 1992, he was nearly attacked by several members of the GryffindorQuidditchteam and was nearly cursed by Ronald Weasley.[3] However, when Voldemort was in control of the Ministry of Magic in 1997, the term became more prevalent, appearing even in the Daily Prophet and Ministry propaganda. This was in line with Death Eater ideology being disseminated to the general public, which claimed that Muggle-borns were not "real" wizards and witches.[4]

Use by Muggle-borns

Hermione: "I’m hunted quite as much as any goblin or elf, Griphook! I’m a Mudblood!"

There are some Muggle-borns who refuse to allow the term to be degrading to them. For example, Lily Evans told her former friend Severus Snape that if he was going to refer to other Muggle-borns as "Mudbloods", then he had to use the term for her as well, and Hermione Granger declared that she was proud to be a "Mudblood" in 1998.[4]

Examples of the term's use

"Mudblood's a really foul name for someone who is Muggle-born — you know, non-magic parents. There are some wizards — like Malfoy's family — who think they're better than everyone else because they're what people call pure-blood."

Malfoy called Hermione a "Mudblood" in 1992; this was the first time Harry Potter ever heard the term.[3] Malfoy also calls her a "Mudblood" on many other occasions. Like many pure-blood wizards, he is accustomed to using the term to degrade the muggle-borns.

Snape lashed out after Lily came to his assistance when he was being bullied by James Potter and Sirius Black in 1975. It resulted in the loss of his friendship with Lily, and would forever be his worst memory. Afterwards, Snape disliked even hearing the word "Mudblood".[5]

After cornering Albus Dumbledore in the Astronomy Tower, Draco explained that he got the idea for poisoning mead after he heard Hermione Granger, whom he referred to as "the Mudblood Granger" talking about Filch not recognising potions. When Dumbledore told Draco not to use the word in his presence, Draco questioned if Dumbledore cared about him using "Mudblood" when he was about to kill Dumbledore.